Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Spinal Meningoceles and Arachnoid Cysts

Though the nomenclature regarding spinal arachnoid cysts and meningoceles is confusing and sometimes overlapping, spinal arachnoid cysts and meningoceles are distinct entities with different presentations and etiologies. Meningoceles are usually congenital lesions discovered at infancy with a high incidence of associated anomalies. Spinal arachnoid cysts are most often asymptomatic but can cause nerve root and/or cord compression. We review the presentation, pathophysiology, and management of these lesions.